For decades, all of Florida has been retirement heaven – or “God’s Waiting-Room,� as it’s sometimes not so graciously called. Hence, there are many facilities for senior citizens.

Traveling in South Florida is relatively easy for seniors, and there are good programs to allow seniors to get the most out of their experience here. Contact Elderhostel.

Take advantage of the extra time you’ve earned, allowing yourself to get to know Miami in greater depth than the fly-by tourist. Use the cooler modes of getting around on South Beach the air-conditioned South Beach Local, and on Key West the shaded and breezy Conch Tour Train.

Membership in the American Association of Retired Persons is open to US and Canadian residents age 50 or over. They provide up-dated travel information and discounts. Elderhostel is for people 60 and over.

Senior citizens are eligible for discounts on travel, car rental, accommodations, museum entrance, and more. Take your ID. Sometimes the definition of “senior� can be as young as 55! If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, get a Golden Age Passport, which entitles you to free entry into all national parks, monuments, and historic sites.

Generally speaking, the area is well-set-up for disabled travelers. Mobility International USA and the Society for the Advancement of Travelers with Handicaps (SATH) have more information.

All public buildings in the US are required by law to provide wheelchair access. However, older Deco hotels and many of the old guesthouses might have only one disabled-accessible room.

Public buses “kneel,� and the other public forms of transportation also have wheelchair access. Some taxis and car rental companies have special equipment: ask in advance.

For getting around such areas as South Beach or Key West, take full advantage of electrically powered transport, either your own wheelchair or a rented one. The heat and humidity can make exertion uncomfortable.

Check out Access-Able, Directions Unlimited, and Wheels Up! on the Internet. Also call Miami-Dade Disability Services and the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.